Warm, person-led support across Canberra

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Disability support

Understanding
the NDIS.

The NDIS is built around individual goals and support needs. This guide gives a calm, practical starting point for understanding the official process.

Visit the NDIS website
Start hereEligibilityFive stages
A man using a wheelchair talking about goals with a support worker at a cafe
Person-led conversationsYour goals belong at the centre.

A calm place to start

Begin with life,
not paperwork.

Think about the person's ordinary week: the things they enjoy, the support that is already around them and the goals they would like to work towards. The process can follow from there.

01
Check the starting pointsUse the official criteria as a guide, not a final answer.
 02
Understand the journeySee the five stages from connection to reassessment.
 03
Keep life at the centreBring goals, choices and routines into the conversation.

A starting check

Could the NDIS
be relevant?

Eligibility is decided by the National Disability Insurance Agency. The official checklist is the best place to start.

Check official eligibility information
01

Age

Generally, you need to be under 65 when you apply.

02

Residence

You need to live in Australia and meet the relevant residence requirements.

03

Disability or early intervention

The NDIS considers whether a person meets disability or early intervention requirements.

The NDIS pathway

From questions to
everyday support.

The exact process is individual, but the current official guide describes five key stages.

  1. 01

    Make connections

    Talk with an NDIS partner or the NDIA about local, mainstream and disability supports that may be relevant.

  2. 02

    Apply to the NDIS

    If you think you may be eligible, provide the information and evidence needed for the NDIA to consider the application.

  3. 03

    Create your first plan

    If eligibility is confirmed, the NDIS works with you to create a plan around your situation, goals and support needs.

  4. 04

    Start using your plan

    Once a plan is approved, you can choose providers and begin using the supports that are included in it.

  5. 05

    Reassess your plan

    When needs or circumstances change, the plan can be reviewed to help it continue supporting your goals.

The official NDIS information is being updated as legislation changes. Use the links below for the latest requirements.

Person-led support

A plan is more than
a funding document.

It is a chance to describe what matters in ordinary life: home, learning, work, relationships, community and personal goals.

Choice and control

The person should be involved in decisions about their goals and supports.

Strengths and independence

Support can build on what the person already does and wants to develop.

Clear consent and communication

Information should be accessible, understood and shared with permission.

Bringing a plan to life

Make space for
ordinary life.

A useful support conversation can begin with the person, not paperwork: the routines they value, the skills they want to build and the Canberra places and people they want to stay connected with.

01

Home

What helps someone feel comfortable, capable and in control in their own space?

02

Community

Which familiar activities, friendships or local places are important to keep in reach?

03

Goals

What would the person like to learn, try or do with more confidence over time?

Official information

Use the source
that makes decisions.

Eligibility, funding and plan decisions are made by the NDIA. The NDIS website should always be used for current rules, application requirements and plan information.

Official sourceNDIS information

Han & Young Service is an independent guide and is not the NDIA. This page links you to the official source.

Learn how to apply to the NDIS→ Understand an NDIS plan→ Read the getting started guide→